Aussie WRC a challenge for locals

THE forest roads of the Coffs Coast will be roaring in seven weeks time with more than just the superstars of the World Rally Championship (WRC).

While Rally Australia, as part of this year's WRC will be the big-ticket item from September 8 to 11, organisers are expecting an estimated 100 cars on the roads thanks to two companion events – the Coffs Coast Forest Rally for the Bosch Australian Rally Championship and the Coffs Coast Classic Rally – that will be held in conjunction with the big show.

The event's sporting chief, Clerk of Course Dr Michelle Gatton, said that when entries close in three weeks time it will reveal a field that may never be seen in these parts again.

“We know already that World Champion Sebastien Loeb, Sebastien Ogier, Mikko Hirvonen and Jari-Matti Latvala, representing the top WRC manufacturer teams from Citroen and Ford, will be coming because they are committed to the full 13-round WRC,” Gatton said.

“Add in some high-profile privateers and a strong field of Australian drivers, some of whom are certainly world class, and I promise spectators will experience a weekend of unforgettable motorsport.”

Gatton repeated a call to Australian competitors to enter the WRC round and challenge the world's best.

“There are great reasons for Aussies to step up to the WRC,” she said.

“They will be able to measure their abilities against the international benchmark, achieve a high-point in their driving careers, and do so while earning bonus points in the Bosch Australian Rally Championship and a significant discount on the entry fee.”

WRC, Coffs Coast Forest Rally and Coffs Coast Classic Rally cars all will participate in the official start festivities in Coffs Harbour on September 8, and undertake two runs every night in front of big crowds on the Super Special Stage.